DP World News

January, 2019

World’s first high bay container storing system to be ready for 2020 World Expo in Dubai

Dubai, UAE/Dusseldorf, Germany, 17 December 2018: An international joint-venture formed by global trade enabler DP World and industrial engineering specialists SMS group will revolutionize the way that containers are handled in ports. A new and intelligent storing system will be applied for the first time ever at Jebel Ali Terminal 4, in time for the Dubai Expo 2020 world fair.

The High Bay Storage system was originally developed by SMS group subsidiary AMOVA for round the clock handling of metal coils that weigh as much as 50 tons each in racks as high as 50 metres. AMOVA is the first company to transfer this proven technology to the port industry.

Instead of stacking containers directly on top of each other, which has been global standard practice for decades, the system places each container in an individual rack compartment. Containers are stored in an eleven-story rack, creating 200 percent more capacity than a conventional container terminal, or creating the same capacity in less than a third of the space.

Thanks to the rack’s design each container can be accessed without having to move another one, enabling 100 percent utilization in a terminal yard. The system brings big gains in speed, energy efficiency, better safety and a major reduction in costs. Costs are further cut by the ability to shorten the time taken to load and unload mega-ships by as much as 30 percent.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, DP World Group Chairman and CEO, said: “DP World’s experience and expertise in moving cargo coupled with the technology of AMOVA will ensure the system is remarkably efficient and relevant for present and future operations. As a world first in our industry we are tremendously excited by its potential and groundbreaking features. Our engagement in new technologies is a major priority and we have become known for seeking ways that transform the way goods are moved across the world. Innovation is part of our DNA and at the heart of our success.”

Burkhard Dahmen, CEO of SMS Group, said: “Our subsidiary AMOVA has optimized this technology in industrial applications for the metals industry over several decades. The application for container terminals is a direct result of our “New Horizon” strategy, in which SMS transfers technology from the metallurgical sector to other industries.”

Dr. Mathias Dobner, CEO of the joint venture, said: “This new container handling technology allows cities to use their expensive and sensitive land and waterfront areas more effectively. Our system will significantly increase the productivity of handling ships on the quay. This means that quay walls can be shortened by a third. This disruptive innovation will greatly improve the financial performance of container ports, and well as their overall appearance.”

November, 2018

DP World Limited handled 53.6 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) across its global portfolio of container terminals in the first nine months of 2018, with gross container volumes growing by 2.6 % year-on-year on a reported basis and 3.7% on a like-for-like basis1.

Gross like-for-like volumes declined by 0.5% in 3Q2018 due to the tougher year-on-year comparables (3Q2017 volumes grew 13.5% year-on-year), and softer volumes in the UAE.

The UAE handled 11.3 million TEU in 9M2018, down -2.1% year-on-year, with 3Q2018 volumes down -6.7% year-on-year due to the challenging macroenvironment and loss of lower-margin cargo. Growth in Europe remained robust with strong growth in London Gateway (UK) and Rotterdam (Netherlands).

At a consolidated2 level, our terminals handled 27.7 million TEU during the first nine months of 2018, a 1.6% improvement in performance on a reported basis and up 2.2% year-on-year on a like-for-like3 basis.

“As highlighted in our first half throughput announcement, we have seen our volume growth decelerate due to the strong prior year performance and general caution in the market given the current uncertainty in global trade. In the UAE, the volume weakness in 3Q2018 is mainly due to loss of low-margin throughput, where our focus remains on profitable cargo and, while the near-term volume outlook in Jebel Ali remains challenging, we have taken measures to maintain profitability.

On our wider portfolio, we have made good progress in strengthening our product offering to play a greater role in the global supply chain as a trade enabler. We continue to focus on delivering operational excellence, managing costs and disciplined investment to remain the port operator of choice. We are also pleased to state that despite the softer volumes, we are on track to meet market expectations.”

September, 2018

DP World acquires 100% of Unifeeder, the largest container feeder and growing shortsea network operator in Europe
Dubai, UAE, 7 August 2018: Global trade enabler, DP World today announces the signing of the acquisition of 100% of the Unifeeder Group (“Unifeeder”)1 for €660 million2 from Nordic Capital Fund VIII and certain minority shareholders. Based in Aarhus (Denmark), Unifeeder operates the largest and most densely connected common user container feeder and an important and growing shortsea network in Europe, serving both deep-sea container hubs and the intra-Europe container freight market. The Group reported revenue of €510 million in 2017 and EBIT margins in line with other asset-light logistics operators. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and expected to be earnings accretive in the first full year after completion. It will be financed from existing balance sheet resources and is expected to close in 4Q 2018.
The acquisition of Unifeeder will further enhance DP World’s presence in the global supply chain and broaden our product offering to our customers – the shipping lines and cargo owners – with a view to ultimately reduce inefficiencies and improve the competitiveness of global trade. The current operations of Unifeeder are complementary to DP World’s existing business and provides future growth opportunities.
Unifeeder, founded in 1977, is an integrated logistics company with the largest and best-connected feeder and growing shortsea network in Northern Europe with connectivity to approximately 100 ports. The company provides efficient and sustainable transport solutions for international container shipping lines between international and regional ports and shortsea services to cargo owners with fully multimodal door-to-door solutions, combining seaborne transportation with road and/or rail. The business is cash generative and operates on a highly flexible cost base.
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World, said: “We are delighted to add the Unifeeder brand under the DP World umbrella, which supports our strategy to grow in complementary sectors, strengthen our product offering and play a wider role in the global supply chain as a trade enabler.
“The ever-growing deployment of ultra-large container vessels has made high-quality connectivity from hub terminals crucial for our customers and Unifeeder is a best-in-class logistics provider in this space with a strong reputation in Europe. Our aim is to leverage on the in-house expertise of Unifeeder and to accelerate growth in this scalable platform to deliver value for all stakeholders. Unifeeder operates on the same common-user principle as DP World and adds to the Group’s strong value proposition to international shipping lines and end cargo owners in making the global supply chain more efficient and cost effective.”
Jesper Kristensen, CEO, Unifeeder A/S, said: “We are excited to join the DP World Group as we believe that Unifeeder will benefit from the Group’s significant expertise in the wider supply chain and excellent relationships with shipping lines and end cargo owners. Not only is there commonality with our business models but we also share the vision of serving our customers through removing inefficiencies and delivering sustainable shareholder value. We have enjoyed great success over the last five years under Nordic Capital’s ownership, and we believe that the Unifeeder brand within the DP World Group has the opportunity to accelerate growth, expand further and take the business to the next level.”

July, 2018

CSS GROUP PARTICIPATES THE GALA DINNER HOSTED BY DP WORLD

The CSS Group joined DP World at their annual Gala dinner, organized back in April, 2018 at the renowned Atlantis the Palm resort in Dubai. The banquet celebrated partnerships and achievements made by DP world and its clients across the UAE. Chandrakala (CK), Chief Operating Officer, NVOCC and Dr. Britto Satheesh, Director of the CSS Saudi Arabia branch represented the Group at the event.

“It was a good opportunity to hear DP World’s developments and successes over the years, especially for the year 2017. They are looking at a positive 2018 which is indeed amazing news for the logistics fraternity. We met with both new and old faces, I felt it was a good networking event” commented CK.
The CSS Group and DP World have enjoyed a wonderful working relationship over the years, never missing an opportunity to reconnect.
“This was a great opportunity for me to know how such events are organized – it was well put together, catering to over 3000 attendees. Being amongst the event’s delegates, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting a lot of agents and forwarders – new and old,” mentioned Dr. Satheesh.

July, 2018

CAPACITY INCREASE TO 1.8 MILLION TEU IN 2022 AND CREATION OF 300 NEW JOBS

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 20 June 2018: The Port of Prince Rupert and DP World have agreed on terms of a project development plan that outlines the next phase of expansion for the DP World Prince Rupert Fairview Container Terminal.
The Phase 2B expansion will increase annual throughput capacity at Canada’s second largest container terminal to 1.8 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) when complete in 2022.
DP World Group Chairman and CEO, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, said: “Canada is an important part of our global network and we are delighted to confirm these plans, which underline our commitment to Prince Rupert, which plays a major role in enabling trade in the region and across the west coast with rail connections inland to the rest of the country and the United States. It also demonstrates the excellent relationships built with the Port Authority and the confidence we both share in the future and the creation of jobs in the community, stimulating the local and regional economy. I would like to thank all our partners and people at Prince Rupert for their commitment and ongoing support.”
The Fairview Phase 2B project follows the 2017 completion of Fairview Phase 2A, which increased the terminal capacity by 500,000 TEUs to its current capacity of 1.35 million TEUs. Construction on Phase 2B will begin in mid-2019. There will be an initial gradual release of capacity to 1.6 million TEUs in 2020, following the completed expansion of the container yard to the south.
Port of Prince Rupert Chair, Bud Smith, said: “The execution of this agreement signifies DP World’s commitment to enabling Canadian trade with another significant investment that will bring a total of one million additional TEUs of container capacity to the Port of Prince Rupert in less than five years. This project will provide critical trade-enabling infrastructure for Canada’s west coast, a timely response to forecasted growth in trans-Pacific trade and supportive of Canada’s efforts to diversify markets through new free trade agreements such as the CPTPP.”
The project will expand the container yard from its current 32 hectares to 41 hectares and add two new rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes as well as an eighth dock gantry crane. The existing maintenance and administration buildings will be relocated to create additional container storage capacity.

DP WORLD JOINS WORLD OCEAN COUNCIL

FIRST COMPANY IN SECTOR TO BECOME A FULL MEMBER

Dubai, UAE, 7th June 2018: Global trade enabler DP World has become the first company in its sector to join the World Ocean Council (WOC) as part of its leadership journey to actively engage in the protection of the world’s oceans. By becoming a member of the growing international multi-industry alliance on “Corporate Ocean Responsibility” DP World will commence, enhance and advance its role as a responsible leadership company.
The WOC is a global, cross-sectoral business leadership alliance with a network of over 35,000 stakeholders addressing corporate ocean responsibility. Developed by and for the private sector, it addresses issues affecting ocean sustainable development, science and stewardship. It brings together representatives from shipping, oil and gas, tourism, fisheries, aquaculture, mining, renewable energy, ocean technology and financial services sectors. The WOC is a registered not-for-profit organisation in the US, the UK and Europe.

March, 2018

An agreement to implement the first phase of development of an integrated industrial and residential zone in Sokhna, Egypt has been signed in Dubai today between global trade enabler DP World, the Suez Canal Authority and the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone).
The framework agreement, which establishes a clear timetable of actions required to execute the first phase of the project spanning 30 square kilometres, was signed by Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World and Admiral Mohab Mamish, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority and the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone).
This follows the signing of a partnership agreement at a ceremony in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt on the sidelines of the World Youth Forum in November last year. The joint venture between SCZone (51%) and DP World (49%) with DP World managing the zone, will result in the development a comprehensive industrial zone in Sokhna spanning 75 square kilometres, as well as increasing the capacity of Sokhna port and linking it to the industrial zone to fuel foreign investment and trade growth.
Both parties aim to sign agreements with companies that wish to establish facilities within the zone by March this year.
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World, said: “We are pleased to move ahead with the development of this promising new project, which has the potential to substantially increase foreign investment into Egypt’s economy. In Dubai and at DP World, we have seen first-hand the power of trade infrastructure like free zones and seamless logistics corridors to drive economic growth – today, our flagship Jebel Ali Port and Free Zone together contribute to over 20% of Dubai GDP. We hope to see Sokhna’s new industrial zone drive the same if not greater growth for Egypt. Our focus on long term sustainable change will also ensure that this growth is beneficial for generations to come.”
Admiral Mohab Mamish, Chairman, Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) and Suez Canal Authority, said: “Our continued partnership reflects the deep-rooted trade ties between our countries and an ongoing strategy to further the growth of both our people and economies. With DP World, Egypt will harness all available resources and capabilities to ensure the success of this project, which will yield significant benefit for future generations. We will be targeting various industries to join the new industrial zone and look forward to realising this growth in the coming months.”

March, 2018

MR. BIN SULAYEM: INDIA HAS VAST ECONOMIC POTENTIAL – UNLOCKING IT IS KEY FOR TRADE
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 15 February 2018: The government of Dubai, global trade enabler DP World and the government of Jammu and Kashmir have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore opportunities to develop trade infrastructure in the Indian state.
The agreement will see discussions take place on a multi-modal logistics park and hub in Jammu, comprising warehouses and specialised storage solutions that will also encourage inter-modal transfer of containers, bulk and break-bulk cargo.
Speaking at the World Government Summit, DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem said: “Opening up the Indian hinterland through new infrastructure and facilities is one of the ways that the Indian economy will continue to grow and we are delighted to enter into these discussions with representatives of the Jammu and Kashmir government.
“India has vast economic potential and unlocking it will provide new trade opportunities. Efficient logistics is the way forward – to get cargo moving faster, safer and more cost effectively for all stakeholders.
“The country is currently the fastest growing in the world with major strides being made already with the logistics sector set to reach $215 billion by 2020, 34 mega multi-modal logistics parks and over 1300 infrastructure projects underway. DP World has already invested $1.2 billion in the last 20 years supporting 28% of all container trade and we look forward to growing this partnership further in Jammu and Kashmir.”
The value of goods exported and imported by DP World’s operations in India reached almost $50 billion in 2016, accounting for 15% of India’s total non-oil imports and exports. Bilateral trade between the UAE and India has grown from $128 million 30 years ago to more than $53 billion today.

January, 2018

JOINS FORCES WITH 47 ORGANISATIONS TO DELIVER 60 PROJECTS, HELPING OVER 5000 PEOPLE
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 18 December 2017: DP World employees around the world have taken part in a week of volunteering activities, delivering over 60 projects in partnership with 47 organisations to benefit 5000 people.
The company’s Global Volunteer Week programme gives employees the opportunity to take time out of work to support their local communities. This year they supported a variety of initiatives in 19 countries, which included delivering career workshops in the Dominican Republic, sorting food packages for Foodbanks in Australia, arranging blood donations across India in Mundra, Cochin, Chennai and Nhava Sheva, visiting the elderly in Yantai, China and organising free medical examinations in Senegal.
Now in its fourth year, the initiative was run from 3-9 December and was developed around the UN’s International Volunteer Day. Since 2014, DP World is committed to growing its volunteering efforts in local communities and this year reached a new record of almost 4,700 volunteer hours during work time.
DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, said: “Our leaders designated 2017 as the Year of Giving in the UAE and we’ve continued that sentiment across our operations around the world. Our long-term commitment to partner with the communities where we operate is designed to make a positive impact and is something we’ve been doing for many years. Our commitment to sustainability is central to our business and by playing a major role in contributing to societies, our people are helping others. Their enthusiasm and willingness to participate in local activities is admirable.”
DP Word Global Sustainability Director Kathryn Wightman-Beaven, said: “Our Global Volunteer Week has been gaining momentum over the years and the number of volunteering hours this year are more than double what they were when we first launched the initiative in 2014. We’re proud of our employees who contribute every day to our goal of building vibrant and resilient societies through investing in issues of social importance. We are committed to helping improve the lives of people in the communities in which we operate and look forward to developing this programme further to deliver even bigger impact in the coming years.”
As part of Global Volunteer Week in the UAE and in support of the Year of Giving, the company ran eight projects with 89 employee volunteers, while supporting 319 people in the community. Employees planted Ghaf trees with local sustainability enterprise Goumbook, relocated mangroves with the Emirates Marine Environmental Group, supported people at local charity Senses and women at the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, while conducting a blood drive with the Dubai Health Authority. They also delivered DP World’s Global Education Programme at Raffles International School and taught students about the UN’s Global Sustainable Development Goals at the Hartland International School in Dubai.
Global Volunteer Week is one part of DP World’s global programme to bring sustainability into every aspect of its work, brought together under its “Our World, Our Future” sustainability programme. The company is involved in a range of activities to help improve people’s lives, strengthen communities, and protect the environment with initiatives such as the Carbon Ambassadors Programme in the UAE, focusing on engaging and educating young people on environmental issues.

March, 2017

CSS Group Regional Headquarters had a VIP visit last month. Mr. Abdulla Damithan, Director Commercial Department & Mr Shahab Al Jassmi, Deputy Director- Commercial Department, DP World visited the new Consolidated Shipping Services facilities in the Jebel Ali Free zone. The visit was organised, on an invitation extended by the Vice President, Freight forwarding of CSS Group, Ajay Krishnan after the new Regional Head Quarters of CSS Group, got inaugurated. Guests arrived in the afternoon and were received by T S Kaladharan, Chairman, CSS Group along with Chandrakala (CK) Director, Operations & Ocean freight and Ajay Krishnan. Raj George, Sr. VP, Projects, Oil and Energy was present during the occasion.“We are pleased to meet our long time committed customers, Consolidated Shipping Services, and visit the CSS Headquarters and their Container Freight Station in Jebel Ali Free Zone. We welcome the significant capacity expansion the CSS Group has made with additional warehouse facility. The CSS Group is a proven partner of DP World in our mission to enable trade across the MENA and Indian subcontinent regions for over two decades. DP World, UAE Region looks forward to an even more productive future working with the CSS Group to build and support trade to and from Dubai and contribute to enhance Dubai’s position as the preferred trading hub of the Middle East” mentioned Mr. Abdulla Damithan.The visiting officials of DP World discussed various topics of business with the CSS Management team and took a detailed look at the CFS facilities within the area. “Being an integral part of the logistics fraternity in the region, it was an honor to receive the DP World representatives at our facility. During the course of the discussion it was good to know that we share a common agenda when it comes to professionalism in the field of shipping and logistics” commented Chandrakala.DP World is one of the largest marine terminal operators in the world, a portfolio of 77 operating marine and inland terminals supported by over 50 related businesses in 40 countries across six continents with a significant presence in both high-growth and mature markets. A dedicated team of over 37,000 employees from 110 countries cultivates long-standing relationships with governments, shipping lines, importers and exporters, communities, and many other important constituents of the global supply chain, to add value and provide quality services today and tomorrow.“A pleasure to have received DPW to our new facility. The CSS Group is keen on working closely with DP world to ensure we maintain consistencies in thoughts and objectives across our region” mentioned Ajay. CSS Group with its vast network in the Middle East and the Indian Sub-continent enjoys a warm and cordial relationship with ports and shipping lines across the globe and DP world needs a special mention when it comes to professional logistics management and knowledge sharing processes.

September, 2015

DP world team visits CSS CFS to understand professional CFS ManagementThe DP World team was extended a warm welcome at the Consolidated Shipping Services Container freight station (CFS) by Sreenath V, Senior General Manager, Projects, Oil & Energy and Operations on their facility evaluation visit. CFS at Jebel Ali is considered as the flag ship facility of CSS Group.The VP Business development of CSS Group Ken Dinnadge stated that the main purpose of the visit according to the DP World was to experience how we Plan and supervise our CFS activities and how we maximize the efficiencies and effectiveness. They also wanted to study how a CFS ensures high level industry compliance with safety and operational disciplines.DP World is one of the largest marine terminal operators in the world, with 45 terminals and 13 new developments across 29 countries, with its dedicated, experienced and professional team of nearly 30,000 people serving customers in some of the most dynamic economies in the world selected the CSS group’s CFS as part of their CFS service evaluation process as they see us as one of the leading private CFS operators in this market sector.DP World wanted to see the customer-centric approach of CSS, and how they are building on established relationships. They also discussed with CSS CFS team on key accountabilities which include:CSS CFS strategy and utilization

They understood how CSS define stacking strategies, defining parameters for assigning cargo locations in the facility and yard.

How CSS plan and manage the optimization of 20 and 40 feet ground slots to capacity throughput.

The management of operational aspects allowing necessary separation of various cargo types.

The inventory control methods at CSS CFS.

Cargo Control & Operations Support

Supervision of the billing activities for all CFS operations.

How to coordinate with our customers and the authorities in order to address billing issues as and when they arise.

Ensure that sufficient resources are made available for system upgrades and testing whenever required

The employee engagement programmes and following of the Standard Operating Procedures.

CFS Operations

How to collect the information of pending workload, new incoming work request and available space from the respective CFS team prior to being allotted new work requests in order to ensure a smooth and speedy operations.

CSS Provided the visiting team with an over view of smooth customer coordination, reallocate equipment’s and resources across planning teams in a timely and organized manner based on the workload, Co-ordination with IT to ensure system requirements are met for effective planning and operations, Liaise with Line Agents for all relevant information, Ensure effective inter and intra departmental communication for movement of containers to and from the Container Terminal. They also explained the team about how to attend customer related problems, Planning, monitoring and analyzing relevant reports and how to prepare and present performance analysis.